Katmon, Philippines simpoh tree
Dillenia philippinensis

Family: Dilleniaceae

What it is like

A medium sized shrubby tree. It grows 12 m high. The trunk can be 30 cm across. The bark is reddish. The leaves are leathery, shiny, oval and coarsely toothed. They are 10-20 cm long by 7-12 cm wide. The flowers are large showy and 15-18 cm across. The petals are white and the stamens purple. The fruit are round and enclosed by fleshy sepals. The fruit are 5 to 6 cm across with soft pulp. The fleshy sepals of the fruit are edible.

There are about 60 Dillenia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Very common and widely distributed in the islands of the Philippines at low and medium altitudes. In Brisbane Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cuba, Hawaii, Indonesia, Pacific, Philippines (country/location of origin), SE Asia, Singapore, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit (fleshy sepals) are eaten raw and also used for flavouring fish dishes. They can be used in jellies, preserves, curries and drinks. They are sour.

Edible parts

Fruit, sepals

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Kagemgem, Kusikus, Palali, Pohon sempur filipina, Ukkapon, Uppakon

Synonyms

Dillenia catmon Elmer; Dillenia philippinensis var. pubifolia Merr.;